Rise of the Grey Lords Chapter 6 (heavily edited 26th January)
Standard disclaimer; I do not own or claim any rights of ownership to the world of Harry Potter or the characters portrayed within it. I can only thank a brilliant original author J.K Rowling for allowing us to play in her world.
Châteaux Chambord; 2200 CET Sunday May 15th 1994
When everyone was settled in groups on the terrace with their selected beverage, Richard Goldstein said 'Lets get down to business and the immediate plan. You have had more time to plan Aries so what's first.'
Aries called for another of his elves 'Jacques could you bring me the green, blue and red files of the desk in my study please?' almost instantly the files were in front of Aries and the elf was gone with a thanks.
'Ok' Ari began 'These folders are roughly separated into overlapping categories; the green political, the blue economic and financial and the red, shall we say punitive. I think that about covers it.'
'Please correct me if you disagree but, with Ladies' Parkinson, Abbott, Greengrass, Zabini, Longbottom and Delacour teaching I think the onus will be on those Lords present. I Suggest for Politics we have Lords Malfoy, Goldstein, and Abbott, with Lord Delacour managing the ICW. Economics; Lords Greengrass and Parkinson and the punitive primarily being covered by Lady Bones, Lord Lovegood and myself.' The coloured files followed in the correct colour to the people named.
It took about 15 minutes for the recipients to scan the contents of their files. Most were nodding and seemed to move into those groupings.
Amelia spoke up then and said rather sternly 'Aries how will we, neutralise the old death eaters.'
'Well Amelia, with Riddle dead and no threat I have a spell and ritual to use, this either takes the residue of the dark mark away or destroys the bearer of that reside, by fracturing their core, when the connection is ripped away. According to his journals the later, is what Dumbles was going to do to the remaining death eaters if they did not accept his reincarnation of Voldemort. What we have to do is identify those like Uncle Lucius who were forced to take the mark.' the next was said with intense hatred 'Snape wasn't one of those, he was a dedicated true murdering bastard.' He stopped at that and actually let out a truly animalistic growl, his eyes were glowing and his hair lifting. For the first time in a very long time Ari felt his magic get away from him and starting to lash out looking for his target.
Everyone was taken a back at his reaction Cissa jumped up saying 'Merlin I forgot about that!' and took him in a hug 'Ssshss it's all right now you can have him, sshss…' He settled with a sigh and curled into Cissa.
Narcissa slowly eased her embrace and said 'I think you need to show our friends why your response was so, shall we say visceral. Mmm?'
At that Ari stood up and said 'My parents apparently put a block on me at 8 months old to stop this..' with that he appeared to blur briefly before he changed into a rather large Black Panther with bright emerald green eyes and lethal fangs and claws. Whilst most of the adults appeared stunned and the boys in awe. All of the girls cooed at him but it was Astoria who got to him first. The rest of the Greengrass family caught their breath as they saw their youngest member (who had not had a growth spurt yet) hugging a black panther who out massed her about 5 :1 and said 'Mommy, Daphy's got a black kitten can I have a white one please?'.
At that Ari the panther licked her with a rough tongue and changed back, still hugging Astoria and laughing.
He quickly let go of Astoria when she began to blush, waved his hand to restore both of their previously polished appearances and sat down again with a soft apology.
He continued in a steely voice 'I will gut Snape, without magic and while he is alive rip out his throat, that subject is not open to discussion. Ronald Bilius Weasley and Hermoine Dagforth-Granger-Dumbledore will probably meet the same fate. Snape was not only one of the people responsible for Sirius' death, not even listening when I tried to tell him what had happened. He was responsible for James being rendered sterile and if not for my extraordinary mother that piece of slime would have killed a magical family line that went back over 2500 years. That murdering, rapist scum would have made my family extinct.' He took a deep shuddering breath and coldly stated 'I will have retribution for my family, my magic and family honour demands it.'
That was when they saw James Potter come to the fore, Sirius and Lily both lacked the ruthlessness lethality of James, which is what had made him the Alpha in their 3 way marriage and bond.
It was Augusta Longbottom who settled it with saying 'I agree with Aries course of action for that piece of filth Snape and his willing compatriots. We must deny Albus Dumbledore his tools. Dissenters, lets hear it now and move on.'
Amelia slowly nodded as the last to agree.
Lucius took it up now 'Edward Nott was responsible for all recruitment, identification and co-ordination; we need information from him on who had to be 'persuaded'.
Xeno Lovegood spoke up for the first time in this general discussion, causing most people to look surprised, they had forgotten he was there. 'Leave dear Ted to me and I'll have the names by tomorrow lunchtime at the latest.' He then smiled the absent minded smile he had worn all evening, until George Abbott said 'How will you manage that Xeno.'
Xenos' reply surprised everyone except Luna, when he said 'If I told you I would have to do Unspeakable things to you after. Wouldn't I?'
That's it, everyone including the teens knew Xeno Lovegood was not just an 'ordinary' Unspeakable , he was one of a very select group and a very secret one, because even Amelia hadn't known, if the look on her face was any indication. Yes they would have their information.
Jonathan Greengrass spoke this time 'We need to push for the appointment of an interim Minister tomorrow before, that damn Umbridge woman gets any control as senior- undersecretary and Dumbledore can focus and gather all his forces. How many votes of the 40 do we hold lets see; Aries 3, Longbottom-Coker 2, Douglass-Zabini 1, Glamorgan- Bones 1, Goldstein-Burton 2, Abbot 1, Malfoy-Combe 2, Lovegood-Exmoor 1, Parkinson-Belton 2, myself 2, Plus Amelia's as head of the DMLE 1. That gives us 18 of the 25 is there anyone else we can call upon? We need 4 more to be safe. With the Ministers vote un-available'
It was Gruoch Parkinson who answered first with 'James McDougal and Gerald Davis will side with us, they despises Dumbledore and the Supremacists.' Jonathan and Lucius agreed with that.
Augusta said 'My brother Algernon holds the Head of Department vote for the Department of Mysteries. But, I really do not know how many of the other 6 heads of departments will vote. Um... except its pretty much assured Amos Diggory will be Dumbledores candidate and back hiself. '
'Dear Old Algie' Coker' mused Xeno, 'you might want to let him know a little bit more of what's developing.'
Lucius spoke up again and said 'So we can guarantee There will be others, but, we need to feel out a few possible allies tomorrow. Now Aries have you written to appoint new proxies?'
'Yes Uncle Lucius, as my closest blood relative and Godmother Aunt Cissa is my proxy until I am 16 and can take the seats myself…. No one can argue with that appointment and Dumbledore just lost 3 proxies. Because he was never officially appointed in those seats under my house seals, the Secretary of the Wizengamot has been formally notified that I am currently reviewing all votes undertaken whilst he illegally used those proxies. Off the record it's already done and about 12 laws or amendments will be changed as my new proxy recasts the votes where my Houses interests are best served.'
The adults roared with laughter now and it was Sophia Zabini who said 'You gutted him you put him back years!'
'Yes' Aries almost purred with a pure Slytherin smirk, he continued seriously 'we have one more thing to do tonight and we need to be decisive I'm shattered and my young colleagues are as well. I've talked to Phineas about this and he believes that George' indicating Lord Abbot 'would be the best person for interim minister. Phineas really gets around the Paintings at the Ministry and Phin said he will be the least suspect of the viable members of our group.' Everyone nodded yes except the person concerned.
Malcolm piped up 'They're right George you would take away most of the remaining neutral vote from Dumbledore.'
George considered this for a full 5 minutes and they could see the actual thoughts crossing his face, finally 'OK your right, the rest of us are seen as too light, too dark, god forbid too old or as having too many responsibilities. Yes I'll do it.'
Everyone let out a breath and Polaris who had been sitting on the balustrade flew to the bach of Ari's chair and trilled as if happy with the outcome. 'Thanks, Pol' Ari said, the 'OK who's staying and when do we meet tomorrow.'
In the end all of the teens stayed plus Celia Greengrass, Gruoch Parkinson (Malcolm held her proxy), Appoline Delacour and Marilyn Abbott. Basically, all the ladies who weren't needed to vote.
It was decided that those that could would reconvene at 1300 to update Aries and the remaining ladies.
Jules escorted Celia, Daphne and Astoria Greengrass, Appoline, Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour and Gruoch and Pansy Parkinson, Susan, Draco, Neville , Luna and Ari to the family apartments on the 2nd floor of the main house.
Jacques escorted Blaise, Anthony,and Marilyn and Hanna Abbott to the 2nd floor of the south wing where the apartments for close friends were.
Nott House; Suffolk, 0615 GMT, Monday 16th May 1994
A slight shimmer could be seen at the gate leading to quite a large 3 story detached Victorian house, on the very outskirts Ipswich. The shimmer had been preceded by what looked like the flash of rear car fog lights vanishing round the corner of the house.
Following this there was nothing just the rays of the sun rising to the right of the house over the North Sea which lay only 5 miles in that direction.
For just an instant the door opened and closed obviously someone hidden in the shadows of the door checking the weather, it had been quite cool for mid-May.
It was about 15 minutes later that the owner of the house Edward Nott woke up abruptly, with a feeling of alarm. As he tried to move he realised why he had that feeling.
He knew he had a problem when he felt the rope around his neck which appeared to be tied to the chandelier in his dinning room. The restriction in his movement was a result of the chains binding him from his shoulders to his ankles and he found that he was also standing on a stool. Looking around as far as he could, he saw something that made him loose conscious control of bladder function and piss himself.
Sat comfortably in a leather wing backed chair was an individual clad in a seemingly grey hooded cloak, with their face completely obscured yet open.
Indeed Mr Nott knew who this was or rather what he was. Sat comfortably in his dinning room was a famous or as his old play mates would say infamous member of the Department of Mysteries, for short an Unspeakable.
He heard a mid-tone asexual voice Say 'Good morning Ted; I can call you Ted can I not. Off course I can. We are going to become friends after all, because friends share their secrets. Just like you are looking forward to doing, aren't you?
Now I haven't got all day to chat unfortunately so shall we cut to what I want you to tell me, umm?' With that his visitor stood producing 2 small vials, which he levitated to Nott's mouth and tipped in before returning to the chair.
A grey gloved hand was waved and he felt his jaw relax. Then his visitor sat up straighter and after a couple of minutes said 'Now Ted who of your old play mates took the mark unwillingly'.
Despite trying to fight the effects of the potions he had been given, Edward Nott could not prevent himself spilling out the 6 names and only 6 names of people who had been coerced into taking the death eater mark.
He was then asked who the unmarked agents and spies were. This list was longer 14 names. He was asked if he had withheld any important information in regard to the previous two questions. No was the answer. The stool vanished from under him and he was lowered to his feet. Then he felt his eyes locked open and faintly heard 'Leglimens'.
A tearing pain ripped through his head feeling like his mind was being shredded. It seemed go on forever and then he couldn't think any more.
Anyone walking their dog in Bridge Wood near Ipswich at 0730 that day, would have seen a tall slim 40ish man strolling along the river bank and throw a small doll into the water.
Of course they wouldn't know that the shrinking spell on Edward Nott would wear off in about an hour when he washed up dead, drowned, down river nearing Felixstowe at about 10 minutes past 9 that morning.
Ministry of Magic; Wizengamot Chamber, 0900 GMT 16th May 1994
Amelia Bones, Director of The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Lady Regent
of the Ancient and Noble - Bones family, sat in her accustomed seat to the left of the minister's chair. She was quit relaxed, after all she had just had a very busy but rewarding hour talking to Madam Dolores Umbridge. One more person who would not be voting this morning.
She looked over the exclusive group of people assembling, who decided what laws were needed, then wrote the laws, decided who had broken them and then decided what the punishment would be. There was no consultation outside of these 50 people, 40 of whom were born to the position and 10 who were ultimately appointed and employed by them. So in effect 40 unelected people decided how in excess of 40,000 people lived their lives.
That was when she realized that the entire system was terminally ill. Because of two long wars Grindlewald and before they could recover fully Voldemort, the leading families had been reduced. They had lost the influential, experienced Heads of House to the wars and powerful centuries old alliances had been forgotten because the heirs were too busy fighting a war.
There had been nothing to check power hungry Ministers and other individuals.
It was a testament of the effects of these wars that most of the leading British families, that is the Ancient and Noble ones had been reduced to a few 2nd and 3rd cousins and single, under age heirs, just look at their group; Aries heir to 3 old and great families (with Peverall) not to mention his mothers French family, Susan and Neville 3 families 2 of them Ancient for 2 single orphaned (or as good as) heirs, Blaise, the last Douglass of Buccleuch, Malcolm and Gruoch their only daughter Pansy 3 members only for 2 great family titles, Belton and Lincoln... yes Augusta was right Neville needed another wife. A widowed Richard Goldstein and Anthony sole heir to the Burton and Somerset titles and families... he would definitely need a betrothed soon and preferably not an heiress, Lucius, Narcissa and Draco, heir to 2 British and 1 French family. In fact even the Greengrass' were in a precarious position with 2 daughters as heirs to a patriarchal line of Worcester and Witley. 11 of the 13 Ancient and Noble families almost extinct, targeted by the power hungry individuals of both light and dark .
Yes all this time a power hungry man had been building his influence Albus Bloody Dumbledore. The man who had waited until these families had lost their experienced heads to begin chipping away at their society. It could be tracked to the 1930s when he started at Hogwarts as the Transfiguration professor, seeming to spring from no where. Within 5 years he was made head of Griffindor. Indoctrinating Griffindor's and to a slightly lesser extent Hufflepuffs from that point to the present, in the Cult of Dumbldore.
Then there was his well timed defeat of his ex-lover, after waiting 15 years. A grateful nation had given him their highest award 1st class (making him Lord Dumbledore), soon followed by Deputy Head of Hogwarts to a senile Headmaster Dippet, all the time building his image and the cult of Dumbledore.
Then just a couple of years later the old Chief Warlock retired and the hero was appointed as Chief Warlock and then Dippet Died in 1960. The logical appointment was the nations' hero, the self proclaimed Leader of the Light and most powerful wizard alive.
That's when the curriculum changed and education was 'dumbed' down muggle-borns were subsidised by higher fees for pure, full and half-blood students and numbers of pupils plummeted.
His coup de grace came in 1963 when the still grateful International Confederation of Wizards voted him Chief Mugwump. He now had total control; he had his followers some as dedicated and fanatical as Voldermorts death eaters were. However, he had made a mistake not killing Aries Potter-Black. His need to control and harness the power of the Potter line and introduce that power into his newer line would cause his downfall, eventually.
Ah here he comes now, game face on Bones. Amelia checked once more all of the allies were present. Xeno had a particularly befuddled smile today, I wonder if he is the mythical Spectre the alleged 'fix it' agent of the DOM. Malcolm, Lucius, Sophia and Augusta were looking particularly pleased at something.
Albus no longer radiated and projected the power that he had just a few short days ago when she had seen him. Hogwarts curse had worked, he was now only an above average old wizard (unfortunately the 'Lady' couldn't kill him it was against the founders code).
As he reached her, wearing his usual smug condescending smile (and ridiculous robes)he said 'Ah Amelia just the person. Why are we meeting today Dolores assured me that she would not be calling the meeting to address Minister Fudges resignation until next week?'.
Amelia smiled sweetly 'Unfortunately Albus, Madam Umbridge is currently being held for questioning for illegal activities and possession of class 5 restricted artefacts. So it falls to me to call for the Wizengamot to meet to appoint a Minister. I believe that is what you informed me Secretary Crossley.
An old white haired wizard who sat at a desk covered in scrolls below nodded and said
'Of course Madam, by law an executive lead must be appointed within 2 days of the previous one leaving office.'
Amelia smiled again and said 'There you go Albus, I am following the law. Now shall we begin?'
Dumbledore made his way to his seat noting that there was almost a full complement.
Following procedure he commenced with ceremony 'I call this the 28th gathering of the Wizengamot of Great Britain for the year of 1994, in the 52 year of the reign of our sovereign Queen Elizabeth of House Windsor…..Do we have any changes to our august ranks, by election, inheritance or appointment. Now is the time to speak.'
Expecting to only wait a few second before carrying on to the meat of the assembly he was about to carry on when.
'I Narcissa Black-Malfoy have been mandated, by my Cousin by blood and as his Godmother by magic and following the death of his blood bound Father and previous guardian. By the emancipated minor Lord Aries Jamille Potter-Black, Earl of Hereford, Radnor and Shropshire, Baron of Brockhampton, Llandrindod and Shrewsbury, as his proxy until he is of age to take his place amongst this assembly . So I say, so mote it be' with a flash of magic the proxy was accepted. Narcissa sat down to chaos.
At the mention of the name it took a few seconds to compute who it was but a second after Black was heard the noise level was rising to shouting. The conspirators sat back calmly and let it carry on carefully observing the reactions of their fellow Lords.
Dumbledore was white, he had found his missing pawn and without the leverage of the Malfoy heir he was stalled, for the moment. He had also lost 3 proxy votes, thereby, loosing his majority. Thinking to stop some of the speculation which was getting too close for comfort he raised his wand and after applying a sonorus charm sent up a loud bang and stream of sparks before saying 'All members are called to order, silence in the gallery or I will order it cleared. Secretary Crossley has the proxy be accepted?' Crossley answered in the affirmative squashing that idea. So he continued.
'Thank you; we welcome Lady Black-Malfoy as proxy for Lord Potter-Peverell-Black of Hereford, Radnor and Shropshire.' He was somewhat breathless when he said 'The first item to address is the appointment of a Minister of Magic according to the Law of the Wizengamot. Nominations will be accepted in 15 minutes.'
There was still a hum heard around the room as groups of Lords and proxies approached each other. Lucius had approached Narcissa, mainly as a protective presence as it looked like she was about to be mobbed.
One idiot even asked if it really was Harry Potter? Narcissa could be heard very clearly when in her clear aristocratic voice she said 'Of course not, there never was a 'Harry' Potter. Ari that is A.R.I is an affectionate familial nickname his parents called him as a baby, it is of course short for Aries. I never did know where this 'Harry 'business came from and Lord Aries is having his solicitors address this issue with anyone who has misrepresented or profited from the misuse of the Potter name.'
This statement sent a shock-wave through the room and a shift was apparent, the game had changed and it seems there was a new player. The moderate supporters of both the traditional 'Light' and 'Dark' began to think they may have a new option that fit their beliefs better than the current arrangement. Given that, numerous small groups were talking quietly.
Dumbledore in his arrogance did not realise that the first blow had been landed in a fight he was not yet aware of. He would be though, by the end of today's session.
Exactly 15 minutes had passed when Dumbledore again sent up sparks and said 'I now call this assembly to order and stated 'I will now take nominations for the post of Minister of Magic for Great Britain.' Marius Flint immediately stood up and nominated Godfrey Lestrange, this was seconded by Giles Crabbe. Next was Gordon McLaggen who nominated Amos Diggory seconded by Dedaleus Diddle. Just as Dumbledore was about to speak and call for the vote. Another person stood and Jonathan Greengrass nominated George Abbot, who was immediately seconded by Augusta Longbottom.
Most of the gallery was shocked they were only expecting two candidates. It was also confusing as Greengrass and Longbottom had always voted for opposing sides before. Dumbledore though could do nothing about this unexpected turn of events and had to call for the vote. This he explained was to be indicated by a lighting of the vote holders wand whilst saying the name. A green light was for Lestrange, Red for Diggory and Blue for George Abbott.
The vote would be recorded automatically by the magic inherent in the chamber.
Those present, both in the chamber and the gallery were watching the lights avidly.
With dawning comprehension, there seemed to be an awful lot of blue lights.
The vote only took a few minutes and the results appeared in front of Dumbledore, with a bright golden flash.
Dumbledore showed that the seal was unbroken, before using the dedicated knife that was handed to him by the Secretary to cut the aforementioned seal and unwind the scroll. He then proceeded to read the results. 'Members present 47 of 50, Votes cast are as follows; Lord Godfrey Lestange 10 votes, Mr Amos Diggory 12 votes and Lord George Abbot 25 votes. With the majority of votes Lord George Abbot is the New Minister for Magic so it is recorded, so mote it be.' A flash was seen and the ministerial mantle was around Georges' shoulders.
Dumbledore was exhausted as he sat there thinking, {what was the matter with him, his brain just didn't seen to be working properly the last couple of days and he was sure there had been a mistake with his notification, it had said interim hadn't it? So why had he not said interim Mmmm, Yes definitely get Poppy to check him out when he got back to his school. Of course if something was wrong he would have to Obliviate her again. He would have to be careful though, he'd had to do this so many times since young Harry came to Hogwarts, he was in danger of causing permanent damage. Why did she have to keep insisting she report his past injuries and the rest? Hm yes what to do now? This was a disaster; it would be difficult to get George to do what he wanted. He was nearly as bad as Amelia. Ahah, little Hanna would be at school next term and there was always Marilyn. Yes, yes she was an Healer at St Mungos, yes easier to get to her there. That would work; people would always do what you wanted when their Family was involved. How quaint…}.With a start Dumbledore focused again and said 'Yes what was that? Ah Amelia what can I do for you?'
Amelia frowned and glared at him and repeated 'I said we are ready to witness Lord Abbots' oath now if you are ready?'
'Yes, yes of course' he replied 'Lots of business to cover'
'The members and proxies of the Wizengamot in attendance await the Ministerial Oath of Office from Lord George Stephen Abbott, Earl of Dartmouth'
George stood up in the middle of the chamber floor with his wand held diagonally across his chest and stated 'I George Stephen Abbott hereby vow on my magic and my honour to uphold the customs and traditions of our society, ensuring just rule of law and the rights of individuals of the Magical Dominion of Great Britain including Ireland. I promise to support justice for all citizens and subjects within this Dominion, from injustice, exploitation, corruption, abuse, libel, slander or misinformation, regardless of their means, status or beliefs. Whist endeavouring to ensure the safety of those same citizens and subjects, from harm or oppression be it internal or external in origin to that same Dominion. Whilst fostering the growth and healthy development of our society by rewarding competence, ability, hard work and innovation for the betterment of the majority. So I do swear, so mote it be.' There was a brilliant flash of white light and a new minister was accepted. At that, 37 year old Lord George Abbott, walked to his seat next to Amelia, the 3rd youngest minister ever.
There was silence for just a split second, before polite clapping was heard followed by louder clapping and cheers. It appeared that the people were very happy with this new and very different minister.
The press on the other hand were just a little concerned did that mean he was going to interfere with the way they reported the news, he wouldn't dare would he? hmm.
Dumbledore on the other hand was more than a little nervous, this could be bad, very bad. Obviously George was even more independent than he thought. Mmm I wonder if it's too late to arrange an accident. That would have to be considered.
Dumbledore looked around and called 'I now bring those assembled to order, as the business of this emergency meeting has been addressed I suggest we continue with our scheduled meeting next Monday 23rd of May 1994.' He was about to close the meeting with a bang of the traditional gavel when Narcissa stood up and his day got much worse.
Narcissa stood to address the chamber 'Before you close Chief Warlock Dumbledore, I feel it is imperative that I raise this issue now, so that it can be investigated fully before our next assembly' she did not pause to give him chance to interject but continued 'On receiving his emancipation, my illustrious young Godson became aware of certain irregularities with the management of his financial affairs. Together with the misappropriation of some of his family's priceless and unique heirlooms and other questionable actions, by his previous Wizengamot appointed Guardian. He wishes this to be investigated to the full extent of the law and trusts that this body will deal with the results of the investigation in an appropriate manner.' She paused briefly before resuming with 'He feels that as this body was responsible for the the illegal appointment and disregarding of his parents Magically Appointed guardians. That we are required to resolve this matter. With a flash a pile of documents appeared in front of the Minister Abbott, Madam Bones and Secretary Crossley. They immediately began to read them.
Dumbledore was in panic, although the smile was still on his face closer scrutiny would have shown a very slight tremor to his hands and a faint sheen of moisture on his brow.
He needed to control this quickly he realised, so with that he said in his best Grandfatherly voice. 'Now Lady Narcissa, I am sure there has been an error here and small things have merely been misplaced or overlooked, don't you think? You know how teenagers are of course very careless, I…' He was just about to carry on when Amelia interjected with;
'Chief Warlock Dumbledore I hardly call 28 million galleons a small over sight and do not believe it would be possible to misplace some of the items on this list, not to mention attempted line theft.' At this she gestured to Senior Aurors Shacklebolt and Dawlish, who came forward to stand by Dumbledore.
Minister Abbott then spoke 'I believe in view of this Chief Warlock Dumbledore I must propose that you stand down from you post whilst this investigation takes place.'
Immediately Malcolm Parkinson stood and said seconded.
'Accepted'. Was the response by Amelia as Albus could not respond, she continued with 'Gentlemen if you could escort Mr Dumbledore to interview room 1, please take the appropriate precautions. I believe we can have this issue resolved in time for the next assembly'.
Before he could respond, magic suppression cuffs were put on Dumbledore and he was led away protesting it was a mistake he was Albus Dumbledore etc, etc, he was immune to prosecution.
The Wizengamot members and the spectators in the gallery were struck dumb for the moment. Before, erupting in a cacophony of raised voices. Minister Abbott let this go on for just a few seconds whist his allies observed the responses of some individuals very closely (they now needed to find Dumbledore's supporters to negate them in some manner. After that time he set off blue sparks and a series of loud bangs with his wand and shouted
'Silence this is a solemn assembly not a quidditch match.' With that rebuff there was predominantly quiet with soft whispers in the gallery. He continued 'I believe we need to appoint a temporary Chief Warlock or Witch until this situation has been resolved.' He looked around and then said 'I call for nominations, to be seconded and voted upon within the next 10 minutes, before we close this emergency assembly.'
Again there were discussions in small groups. At the end of the 10 minutes George again spoke 'Nominations will be heard now.'
At this Lord Avery stood up and said 'I nominate Lord Rosier.' A 110 year old supremacist this was followed by 'Seconded' by Wilfred Bole, Head of Department of Magical Transport and one of the targets of the group to …Ummm yes, resign and fade away.
Then Lord Boot stood with 'I nominate Lord Smith.' This was quickly seconded by Amos Diggory.
Finally, the cat was set amongst the mice when Sophia Zabini was the one to say languidly 'I nominate Lady Augusta Coker-Longbottom.' An equally relaxed 'Seconded' came from of all people Lucius Combe-Malfoy, renowned Dark supported.
Minister Abbott took over with 'Votes will be cast as before with green for Lord Montague, red for Lord Smith and blue for Lady Coker-Longbottom.'
Again people avidly tried to follow the number of votes cast by the colours.
Once the scroll appeared before George he quickly followed procedure and stood to read the results. 'The results of the Wizengamot vote for temporary Chief Warlock or Witch is as follows. All of the available 44 votes have been cast and have been recorded as follows; Lord Thaddeus Rosier 8 votes, Lord Benjamin Smith 9 votes, Lady Augusta Coker-Longbottom, 27 votes. By an overwhelming majority, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Lady Coker-Longbottom, Dowager Countess of Durham, Baroness Pontfract, to her new position as Chief Witch of the Wizengamot. If you would take your position, please My Lady.'
With that Augusta curtsied to the Minister and walked to the now Chief Witches seat.
The minute she got there she sat down and said in her brisk no nonsense voice 'Witches and Wizards of the Wizengamot, it has been a long emergency session of this assembly so I shall be brief. I now place this assembly into adjournment until the next scheduled meeting on Monday 23rd May 1994.' With that the gavel went down and as Aries would say 'Mischief Managed'
…
AN: seems logical to stop there Dumbles getting a bit and some minor action.
Please let me know if there are big holes or inconsistencies in it (brains a little pain killer soaked today) and I'll try to plug them. BTW I know the dates are not Lexicon compliant.
Thank you for the reviews they are appreciated.